Injuries Hamper Heat Start

Then, a bump to the thigh from Brad Lohaus' rear end sent Owens back to the sidelines.

"So we were down to nine again," coach Kevin Loughery said.

The shortage of manpower has become a repetitive storyline during the first two weeks of the season. Injuries and change have left the Heat struggling, with both a 1-5 record and unfamiliarity with each other as well as Loughery's system.

Owens' bruised left thigh and Willis' sore left leg have improved enough that both plan to play tonight against the Boston Celtics at Miami Arena. Eackles has a slightly sprained left ankle and Geiger's equilibrium remains tenuous after he ruptured an eardrum during the team's rocky first attempt to fly to Philadelphia. The official status of all four players will be evaluated before tonight's game. Geiger is least likely to play.

Willis said the spasms in his left leg result from chronic tendinitis.

"It happens over a period of time," he said. "It's nothing serious, an ordinary injury."

He first was affected just before Saturday's home opener, but played with the injury. He also played Tuesday in a victory over the Mavericks but remained home Wednesday for a precautionary MRI. Without Owens and Willis, the Heat was hammered by the 76ers 109-96 Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

Owens sustained a deep bruise when Suns center Joe Kleine's knee rammed into his thigh Nov. 6 in Phoenix. He played two days later at Golden State, then again in the home opener Saturday. Owens later said he initially should have skipped some games and practices to let the leg heal.

While Owens, Willis and other Heat players bounce back from injury, the Heat's record continues to sink.

At 1-5, Miami has the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Only the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves have started slower.

Needless to say, Loughery is anxious to coach a full, healthy, familiar team.

"It's very frustrating because every day that goes by is a wasted day," he said. "That makes it difficult."

By making two major trades before the season was a week old, the Heat was guaranteed a period of transition. The injuries further clouded the adjustments.

"Basketball is a game of instincts and reactions. If you've got to think where you're supposed to go, and hesitate, then your instincts and your reactions are slowed down," Loughery said. "When that happens, you're not as effective as you should be as a group."

Loughery said unfamiliarity hurts the Heat when opponents are making critical runs during momentum swings. Team defense and trapping also are affected.

For a team that needs time together, the recent time apart has, well, hurt.